David Tamihere parole conditions relaxed further

File photo / NZ Herald

Convicted double murderer David Tamihere has had his parole conditions relaxed, amid concerns around his health.

The Parole Board has agreed to relax his parole conditions and Tamihere will no longer be required to wear an electronic monitoring device, New Zealand Newswire reported.

Tamihere was released on parole last year after spending nearly 20 years in prison after his 1990 conviction for the murder of Swedish tourists, Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen, on the Coromandel Peninsula in 1989.

While Urban's body was found in October 1991, Heidi's remains have never been discovered.

Tamihere has always claimed that he is innocent.

The Parole Board noted Tamihere had been plagued by health issues and has spent around three months in hospital since his release. His health was said to have been improving, the board said.

He had been involved in marae activities and was well supported by family.

Tamihere will still not be allowed to drink alcohol or take drugs for the rest of his life, will not be able to visit the Coromandel Peninsula, or have any contact with his victims' families.